Akatonbo's Profile
Japanese Curry?
Ginza used to have it on their lunch menu. It's been a while since I've had it there, but they're a very traditional place that caters to Japanese businessmen, so there's a good bet they still serve it.
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Ginza Restaurant
19 E Ohio St, Chicago, IL 60611
japanese in November
Katsu is really good. I also like Meiji. It's more elegant, yet some items are less expensive than Katsu. That said, we recently had an excellent meal at Katsu - super fresh fish and great (though pricey) appetizers. On the other hand, you can pre-order a wonderful Kaiseki meal at Meiji - I don't know of another Chicago Japanese restaurant that offers anything like that.
Desperately seeking fresh kaffir lime leaves
From what I have been told, kaffir lime leaves are not currently being imported, due to some sort of governmental interdiction. It's supposed to be temporary. If you go on-line and do a search for kaffir limes leaves you can find a lot of places that sell them - but they're "not currently available." However, you can order powdered leaves, which are supposedly an acceptable substitute.
Best Chinese groceries / supermarket *outside* downtown Chinatown
Did you go to the covered mall in Chinatown, as opposed to the commercial strip on Wentworth? In the mall there's a candy store that may have Pockys. Another place to check out is Golden Pacific, about 5200 north on Broadway - though more geared toward Thai groceries, they are sort of pan-Asian. If you didn't see you tiao in any of the bakeries in Chinatown, they may not be available here - though again, you could check out the Chinatown mall.
Great Italian near Bank of America Theatre?
I'd say Vivere, in the Italian Village. It's the fine-dining restaurant of the three in that building, with The Village (the one on the top floor) being the red sauce place, and pretty bad, IMHO. Vivere is a very good choice - better than Trattoria #10, though not as good as Spiaggia - and the decor is a treat in itself. They have what is maybe the coziest bar in the city. And, if you really want something close by, Vivere is practically next door.
What not to Miss Walking distance from the Mag Mile ?
Don't miss going to Frontera Grill - they always have intetresting and tasty vegetarian dishes, and the cooking is world-class.
Best Margaritas?
The margaritas at Adobo Grill are indeed very good - but I also love the ones at Frontera Grill - particularly the one with mezcal. I also think the atmosphere in the bar at Frontera is more fun, and you can eat at the bar as well.
Vietnamese in the Chicago area
Le Lan is Vietnamese-French fusion - very good and quite expensive. Le Colonial is more mid-range, with good food and a pleasant colonial-period atmosphere (and a traditional Viietnamese menu). But if you want an inexpensive place, try Tank, on the corner of Argyle and Broadway in the city's Vietnamese commercial area. It's a large,bustling storefront (I think it's BTOB, but if you're interested you should check with them). I don't think you can go wrong at any of these three, but they're all quite different experiences (and price ranges).
Not Fancy French BYOB
We had a very nice meal at La Tache. It was a while ago, so I don't recall the details, but I know we enjoyed it. Here's a link: http://www.latachechicago.com/
Looking to move - Andersonville any good?
Andersonville is a great neighborhood, with lots of good restaurants along Clark Street, but I think there are better places if you want easy access to the El (the Clark Street bus is available, but not a quick way to get downtown). Why not consider Lincoln Square? It's also a great neighborhood with many good restaurants, and the Brown Line El is right there at Western and Lawrence. I would think that rents would be about the same in both places.
STL to Chicago: NEED GOOD RECS!
If you want a good sushi experience without the blaring music of a hip sushi scene, head over to Meiji, in the 600 block of West Randolph (a short cab ride away from the Gold Coast). Very good sushi, but the real reason to go is the chef's omakase, or tasting menu (you have to call a day ahead to order it). It is stellar, and features not only unique sushi and sashimi, but also a variety of kaiseki courses (the haute cuisine of the tea ceremony). Another place I'd recommend is Ginza Fish, on Ohio, for very good, traditional, sushi and sashimi - very fresh fish, despite the seemingly seedy location.
I agree with SuzMiCo that you should try at least one of Chicago's top restaurants, even though they don't conform to what you say you want to eat (I'm not trying to be unkind, but maybe one of the reasons you've only had great, but not amazing, meals here has to do with your criteria). Instead of tapas, for instance, try Frontera, or the more upscale Topolobampo - both operated by Rick Bayless, both top restaurants offering exciting (and uncommon) Mexican cuisine. However, the AMAZING dining experiences are to be had at Alinea (call well in advance), Avenues (in the Peninsula Hotel, with several prix fixe menus), Tru, and Spaiggia (haute-Italian).
Boar's Head meat
In reference to the quality of Boar's Head products - I have heard that Meyer's Deli in Lincoln Square closed in large part because the new owner started carrying Boar's Head - outraging their German-American clientelle, who then stopped shopping there en masse.
Gold Coast/Rush recs
In addition, I like Phil Stefani's on Rush near Hubbard, Saloon Steakhouse, 200 E. Chestnut. Also in that area is Tru, 676 N. St. Clair.
Best Italian?
Vivere (the haute-Italian restaurant in the Italian Village) is quite good (the place to avoid is the touristy "Village" on the 2nd floor). However, Vivere is not in the same league as Spiaggia. I have had good meals at Pane Caldo, Coco Pazzo and Vinci, but a recent meal at Giocco (another place in the South Loop area that is bound to get a mention)was disappointing. Quartino is getting a lot of attention - I liked the food, but the place is so deafeningly loud I can't bring myself to go back.
Bottom line? Go to Spiaggia - they have the best Italian food in the city, great service, and a great wine list. Expensive, but worth every penny.
bánh mì
I like the ones at Ba Le, on Broadway right where Argyle dead-ends. They have dozens of varieties, it seems. My favorite is the one with shrimp patties.
places to go similar to Carnivale?
Maybe you'd like Ole Ole, in Andersonville. I've only been once, but enjoyed the food - the empanadas were very tasty, and the mojitos were great. Here's a link to a review: http://chicago.citysearch.com/profile/41756531/
delicious and HIP restaurant in chicago - need recs!
I recommend Sola, in the 3800 block of north Lincoln. We like the decor, the food, the service - everything about the place. The cooking is top-notch - contemporary American with Pacific Rim flair. Here's a link: http://www.sola-restaurant.com/
We've been there four or five times since we discovered it several months ago, and haven't had a single disappointing dish - which we can't say about too many places. Although its always busy, we never have a problem getting a table (just call ahead).
chalkboard-anyone else eaten there yet?
I loved the space, the unpretentious service, and the wines, but we were underwhelmed by the actual meal (though I did love the crab cake appetizer). My husband's mussels lacked flavor, and we felt that our entrees, though well prepared, were simply not exciting. I had the fried chicken; my husband had the salmon, which was prepared with what, I can't recall - but it was weird combo that he didn't think "worked" - suffice it to say that though the fish was of top-notch quality, and expertly cooked, the dish itself did not impress - in other words, it was the concept, not the execution, that was off. Same thing with the fried chicken. It was very plain. I think I was hoping for something a bit more sinful (read: "greasy"), which, I realize, is my problem, not theirs.
On the whole, we wouldn't rush back, even though we realize that we may just have ordered things that were "wrong" for us. Maybe if we read enough reviews that mention dishes that sound good, then we'd be lured back.
Best Mexican food in Rogers Park?
I like Taqueria Uptown, on Clark at about the latitude of the Metra stop nearby (it's a small chain, so I'm sure you could Google the exact location). Clean and neat and the food is fresh and good.
RIP Paprikash on Diversey
Frankly, I felt that the food went slightly downhill after the place on Diversey changed hands. Nor did we feel that the service was quite as welcoming as it had been before - the last time we were there, shortly after the change in ownership, we had a reservation, yet sat and waited while unexpected arrivals, obviously friends of the owners, were seated before us. We complained, and were seated very ungraciously - we never went back, not really because of that incident, but because they took a favorite dish off the menu, and started offering music every night (we don't go out to dine in order to listen to music - we like to be able to talk)
Too bad - now I have to cook all my Hungarian food at home - out of George Lang's excellent cookbook.
try a new restaurant....
Sola (recommended above by "wak")is great - currently one of our favorite restaurants. Last week they had a venison special that was out of this world (we paired it with their duck breast for an outstanding and hearty winter meal), but their usual style of cooking is more Asian/Hawaiian/Pacific Rim (they have lobster-shitake potstickers on the menu, and Nobu's Black Cod in Miso), so you can also eat more lightly there.
Another favorite that I always recommend is Magnolia Cafe, on Wison near Magnolia, in Uptown. They were recently on Check Please, so I don't know how crowded they'd be now, but we have never had trouble getting in without a reservation in the past. One person on Check Please didn't like it, because she ordered the quesadilla appetizer - this is the only thing on thier menu that I'd say stay away from - it's uninspired. The rest of the food is great.
Two Nights - Two Great Meals (long)
On Tuesday, having suffered through 3 days of decreasing heat in our apartment (culminating in none), we packed up and moved to the Hilton Suites Hotel, vowing to stay there until the building's boiler was replaced and the place was habitable again. On the principle of making lemonade out of lemons, we decided to treat it all as a lark and have some fun (which means "dining out"). The result was that we had two extremely nice meals.
Tuesday night we went to The Saloon Steakhouse (chosen because it was only a block away, but also on the recommendations of a particular Chowhound, and I'm sorry I can't remember who - but Thank you!). We started with a wonderful soup that included duck, pork and veggies - also a salad that had a very fresh-tasting blue cheese dressing (both these came with the meal - a rarity these days). I had the Wagyu ribeye (a whopping $56), and my husband had the Filet. Both were excellent. My quibble was that the ribeye didn't exactly replicate our experiences with beef in Japan (all of which was out-of-this-world mouth-meltingly delicious) - but I was happy with it, and my husband was very, very happy with it. The flavor was excellent, and it was way more tender then any other ribeye I've ever had. We also had a side of the potatoes au gratin, and they were delicious, very cheesey, with a hint of Jalapeno. Drinks and wines were very good. The service was great - our waitress was from the old school - brisk, efficient, no-nonsense, no phoney friendliness - just all business. In all, a great meal, and we'll certainly be back.
Last night we went to Frontera. This is among our favorite restaurants, but because of our schedules, we're rarely able to go at a time when we can get in. This time, because we were a short cab ride away, we arrived at about 6:45. On the phone we were told the wait would be "45 minutes to an hour." When we got there we were told the wait would be "1/2 hour to 45 minutes." The next minute, we were told that we could be seated immediatley! This was actually a problem! We don't eat that early! We decided to drink for an hour before ordering food. I had a Pomegranite Mojito, a "Vampira," then a Mezcal Margarita (finished up with another Pomegranite Mojito with dinner). They were all very good. My husband stuck to the Mezcal Margaritas, until dinner, when he had wine. The sommelier was very helpful - bringing him two half-glasses when he couldn't decide between two different reds.
The regional specialties from Chiapas that we had last time were gone - so we ordered fresh Stone Crab Claws and the Gorditas de Pato for appetizers. Both were excellent. For entrees we had the baby back rib special, and the scallops in a red pipian (we had never had a red pipian at Frontera before). Both dishes were outstanding. The ribs, in particular, were stellar - I'm sorry I can't describe them fully - they were a special, and I never really heard the details on how they were prepared - but they had a hot and sweet glaze, and were as tender as they could be. They did not taste smoky, but they had been grilled. For dessert we had a delicious flan ringed with pomegranite seeds and other crunchies.
As we rolled ourselves into the cab afterward, we marvelled at how Rick Bayless and his staff keep Frontera fresh and amazing, after all these years.
craving authenthic japanese ramen
I didn't say your info was "unecessary," E, I said it was all good info. Maybe you missed that part ;)
craving authenthic japanese ramen
All good info - but did you miss the part where the OP said he lives in Streeterville and doesn't have a car?
Which French Bistro to choose?
Bistro Campagne is basically a bar, with some small rooms in the back, which I don't think would be good for children (constraints of space may make you feel you're disturbing your neighbors if the boys are noisy). I have never seen a child there. Of all the choices mentioned here, I think Brasserie Jo is perhaps the best for a couple with two children. They don't have a children's menu, however.
Here's a link. Believe it or not, the "Famous Shrimp Bag" is quite good - I mention it because you say you're not a real fan of traditional French dishes - the shrimp bag is something Chef Joho invented, I believe, and I always enjoy it.
http://www.brasseriejo.com/second_level/menu.htm
Staying at Palmer House Can people suggest restaurants within walking distance
I think you can walk to Avec and Blackbird (they're right next door to each other, along with a stellar Japanese place, Meiji), on the 600 block of west Randolph, across the south branch of the river. I work at 221 N. LaSalle, and I walk to Meiji all the time - it's probably comparable to walking from the Palmer House.
I'd also recommend Vivere, on the ground floor of the Italian Village on Monroe. We had a good meal there recently (actually, we were a little bit disappointed, but only because it's supposed to be haute-Italian, and what we ordered seemed more contemporary American - but the cooking was solid). For much more wonderful haute-Italian, take a cab north on Michigan Avenue to Spiaggia (you could walk - it would be a nice, if long, walk up the "Magnificent Mile" - a good way to see the glitzy part of the city). Spiaggia is our best (and most expensive)Italian restaurant - worth it, though.
craving authenthic japanese ramen
We don't have ramen chains here - it's probably a west coast thing. Instead, Chicago is the grip of some sort of sushi-mania (you may have noticed). However - try Ginza Fish, at 19 E. Ohio. It's a small Japanese restaurant with a more traditional menu. They have noodles on the lunch menu (don't remember about dinner, but I think it's the same menu), and I'm sure they have ramen.
Ginza is in the same building as the very dicey-looking Hotel Tokyo. Don't be put off - the restaurant itself is clean, and the food is very good, with a very cheap lunch available.
Blackbird review 11/16/06
It's great to know that you could have a satisfying vegetarian meal at Blackbird - and that they were so accomodating about that. It all sounds delicious.
It is weird that they sat another party right by you. I can only speculate that they think its more convevial, as opposed to having several isolated tables scattered throughout the room. In answer to your question - whenever we're shown to a banquette, it always seems to be assumed that I'll be taking the banquette side - but my husband likes the banquette, and I don't care, so there's always a sort of awkward little dance as I move toward the chair, and he moves in for the banquette - the waiter has to change course pretty quickly to hold my chair for me! I guess the banquette is more desirable, so they assume the gentleman will yield it to the lady!
Blackbird is a funny place. I laughed the first time I was there, and noticed that they feel it's necessary to tell everyone (on the menu) that the waiters are dressed in clothing by Joseph Abboud (they must get a deal). I can't say I've always had a great meal there - there was one lunch that was really disappointing - but we've never had anything but wonderful dinners at Blackbird.
Best value food in chicago
Having recently re-discovered the Oasis Cafe after several years, and having had two meals there in the last two weeks, I'd have to say it's a wonderful bargain. I first had a falafel sandwich - didn't notice the price, but it was a great sandwich - head and shoulders above others I've had. I'm sure it was in the $4 or $5 range. On Monday I had their bisteeya, which they call "pastille." It turned out to be a whole combo plate of Egyptian food: fool madamas, hummous, 2 big falafel, salad, a piece of hot pita, and the bisteeya, which was filled with veggies and chicken, all for under $7. It was all very tatsty - and there was so much of it I made it into two lunches.
Another favorite bargain is the lunch at Ginza Fish, where you order one from column "A," and one from column "B." Recently I had the grilled mackerel (column "A") and the sashimi salad (column "B"). Simple and delicious, and it cost either $7.95 or $8.95 - can never remember which, but a bargain at either price
Near North TJ is Now Open
Can someone explain the whole I-love-Trader Joe's thing to me? I've only been to the one on Clybourn (once) - I got some frozen jerk shrimp that proved to be pretty weird tasting, and some green peppers (I had to buy two, in a shrink-wrapped package, even though I only wanted one). A lot of the fancy stuff looked interesting, but caloric. Maybe the wines are cheaper? Maybe once I retire that will matter to me, but I'd rather have Sam's huge selection than save a few bucks on a bottle of wine. So what am I missing?
